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Impaired regulation of immune function characterised by chronic inflammation together with a declining protective immune response is a major challenge to healthy ageing. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms that regulate immune function and the impact of ageing upon such processes. Appropriate induction and resolution of the immune response require adequate availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for incorporation into cell membranes. However, humans are unable to synthesise PUFAs de novo and are dependent upon dietary intake for pre‐formed PUFAs or synthesis by the liver from the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and alpha‐linolenic acid (aLNA, 18:3n‐3). We have shown that activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells increases PUFA biosynthesis from essential fatty acids via a mechanism that involves altered epigenetic regulation of a key gene in the pathway. Moreover, induction of PUFA synthesis is directly involved in the regulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The aim of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council responsive mode award described in this paper, 'How does polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis regulate T‐lymphocyte function?', is to determine how PUFA biosynthesis regulates T‐cell function and the effect of ageing on this process. The project will identify points of regulation in the biosynthetic pathway and how these might influence the capacity for up‐regulation of PUFA synthesis in older individuals. We will use stable isotope tracers of LA and aLNA to determine whether newly synthesised PUFAs are preferential substrates for synthesis of lipid mediators and whether they are involved in formation of membrane microdomains that mediate cell signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has sparked an increase in claims that particular food and drink products and nutritional supplements are able to 'boost' immunity. The immune system is highly complex, consisting of many different cell types and processes, and nutritional adequacy is undoubtedly required to support its function. Specific roles have been established for several micronutrients including vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, copper, folate, iron, selenium and zinc, with documented impacts on particular aspects of immune function as a result of clinical deficiencies. Increased susceptibility to infections and poorer outcomes have been commonly observed in cases of undernutrition. However, high bodyweight, diabetes and ageing are also associated with immune dysfunction. The gut microbiota is intimately linked with the immune system and there is some evidence to suggest that food components that favourably modify its composition, such as pre‐ and probiotics, may be advantageous in immune modulation. Studies also indicate some benefits of specific supplements; for example, zinc and vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce the duration of the common cold; probiotics have been suggested to reduce the duration and severity of acute infectious diarrhoea and prevent antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea; and anti‐inflammatory effects of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids have also been demonstrated. However, at present there are no authorised EU health claims for any of these effects. In the light of the recent media interest in the role of diet and lifestyle on the immune system following the COVID‐19 outbreak, this article will summarise why a healthy, balanced diet is key to supporting immune function with consideration given to the latest thinking in relation to COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific and clinical evidence on the health effects of probiotics has expanded rapidly in recent years and points towards benefits for a number of specific health conditions, particularly those related to the gut. Healthcare professionals are important conduits in the transfer of evidence‐based messages on probiotics, but research indicates many do not consider themselves to have good knowledge in this area. To identify potential solutions to support healthcare professionals, the British Nutrition Foundation held a one‐day roundtable event on 7 February 2019 to gather expert views on the content of, and best delivery mode for, evidence‐based resources to guide healthcare professional advice about the use of probiotics. This report describes the main themes emerging from the discussions and the group's recommendation for the development of a UK‐focused online toolkit for healthcare professionals, which assimilates, appraises and translates current scientific knowledge of probiotics to promote evidence‐based practice for the benefit of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza vaccination in the over 65s suffers from low success rates because of the age-associated decline in immunity. Strategies for improving the response to vaccination are therefore urgently needed. Emerging evidence suggests that alteration of the gut microbiota could potentially influence antiviral defences and modulate the outcome of viral infections. Research conducted as part of a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC)-funded project identified immunoregulatory properties of a novel probiotic ( B. longum infantis CCUG 52486) and demonstrated that the immune response to this and other probiotics was highly dependent on the age of the donor. Older subjects had a markedly poorer response to influenza vaccination than young subjects and, although a pre- and probiotic combination (synbiotic) did not improve the response, there were trends for differential effects of the probiotic in young and older subjects. However, further interrogation revealed that the older subjects on the synbiotic were already at a significant disadvantage in terms of likely ability to respond to the vaccine compared with those randomised to the placebo because of differences in immunosenescence between the randomised groups at baseline. This may have influenced the outcome of the intervention and the implications of this observation are far reaching as it suggests that failure to fully understand subject phenotype could lead to incorrect interpretation of data. The work therefore provides valuable insight into the influence of baseline subject characteristics - particularly immune phenotype - on the outcome of the intervention and highlights the need for more detailed immunological markers for prospective randomisation of subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the symposium "What's new in sports nutrition?" held in London, England on June 9, 2014 on significant findings and latest trends in sports nutrition, is presented. Topics discussed include training adaptation and competition performance; role of nutrition in bone health; and challenges for sports nutritionists as highlighted by Kevin Currell, Head of Performance Nutrition at the English Institute of Sport. Also are included case studies on injury and training adaptation.